Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Many of the weigelas perform best in full sun, but this cultivar typically produces its best variegated foliage color with some light part shade. Full sun in hot summer climates may trigger some leaf scorch. Prune to shape if needed immediately after flowering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Weigela florida is native to Northern China, Korea and Japan. It is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-10' tall and to 12' wide. It features funnel-shaped, rose-pink flowers in spring. A scattered but much less significant repeat bloom sometimes occurs in late summer to early autumn. Foliage on mature shrubs tends to arch toward the ground. By contrast, EYECATCHER is a much more compact shrub that typically grows to only 2-3' tall and as wide. It is noted for producing showy, oval, variegated, bright golden-yellow leaves (to 3" long) with irregular medium green centers. Leaves retain good color throughout the growing season, but produce no significant fall color. Funnel-shaped, outward and upward facing, dark rose-red flowers (to 1.5" long) bloom in late spring. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. EYECATCHER is a naturally occurring branch sport of Weigela florida 'Rubidor'. It was discovered in 2004 in Walberton, Sussex, United Kingdom by David Tristram. U.S. Plant Patent PP20,842 was issued on March 16, 2010.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Compact weigela for small areas in the landscape. Best in small groups. Woodland margins or shrub borders. Foundations. Small hedge. Good container plant.